Laura Dorene Hawkes Shirley Cooke's Obituary
Dorene, the daughter of Jay Benton and Laura Adeline Thomas Hawkes, Sr., was born January 6, 1948, in DeRidder. She passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2017, in St. Francis Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Robert S. Shirley, Jr.
She is survived by her brother, Jay B. Hawkes, Jr. and his wife, Regina, of Rosepine, Louisiana; two sisters, Marilyn Tate of Rosepine, and Sylvia Smith and husband, Tim, of DeRidder. Also surviving her are niece, Ashlee Nicole Patterson, and nephews, Michael J. Tate, Craig Wayne Tate, and Jay B. “Trey” Hawkes, III.
Dorene was a graduate of Rosepine High School and Northwestern State University with a degree in Education. She was working toward obtaining her Masters. She retired after twenty-seven years as a teacher and librarian, most of those years at Leesville High School. She was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church; taught Sunday school and served as church librarian. She loved the Lord, was a faithful prayer warrior and Christian mentor. Dorene loved to read and was a published poet. She was in the process of writing a book based on her childhood.
Dorene’s family would like to express their appreciation to each of you for your kindness shown in prayer, thoughts and deeds. Your presence here today is a great comfort and your continued prayers and support are welcomed.
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